Dill Mayonnaise: The Secret Ingredient You’re Not Using (Yet)

Let’s be real—sometimes your condiments need a little more flair. Enter dill mayonnaise. It's not just mayo with some dried herbs sprinkled in—it's a flavor powerhouse that can transform everything from sandwiches to seafood dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just love spicing up your homemade meals, dill mayonnaise is your new best friend.

Table of Contents

• What Is Dill Mayonnaise?
• Why Use Dill Mayonnaise?
• Homemade Dill Mayonnaise Recipe
• Best Pairings for Dill Mayonnaise
• How to Store Dill Mayonnaise Properly
• Buying Guide: Top Brands & What to Look For
• Fun Facts & Flavor Hacks
• Final Thoughts

What Is Dill Mayonnaise?

Dill mayonnaise, or dill aioli if we're feeling fancy, is a creamy blend of traditional mayonnaise infused with fresh or dried dill herb and often other aromatics like garlic, lemon juice, or mustard. It brings the tangy richness of mayo together with the bright, slightly anise-like flavor of dill—a staple in Eastern European, Scandinavian, and German cuisines.

The beauty of dill mayonnaise lies in its versatility. It can be as simple as mixing store-bought mayo with fresh chopped dill or as complex as making it from scratch using egg yolks, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs.

Why Use Dill Mayonnaise?

So, why add another condiment to your fridge when you already have plain mayo? Because dill mayonnaise elevates both flavor and experience. Here are five reasons to start using it today:

• Flavor Boost: Dill adds a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of mayo without overpowering it.
• Great for Seafood: Especially popular with salmon, shrimp, crab cakes, and smoked fish.
• Easy to Customize: Add lemon zest, capers, or garlic to make it your own signature sauce.
• Versatile: Works as a dip, sandwich spread, dressing base, or even marinade enhancer.
• Nutrient-Rich Herbs: Dill contains antioxidants and has digestive benefits when used regularly in moderation.

Homemade Dill Mayonnaise Recipe

If you're feeling adventurous, making your own dill mayonnaise is easier than you think. Here's a quick recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise (preferably made with avocado or olive oil)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill weed)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard (for extra tanginess)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

This batch should last up to one week in the refrigerator. If you want to prep ahead, double the batch and freeze half in small containers for future use!

Best Pairings for Dill Mayonnaise

To get the most out of your dill mayonnaise, here’s a handy guide on what goes well with it:

Dish	Pairing Suggestion	Extra Tip
Grilled Salmon	Spread over warm salmon fillet	Add lemon slices and chives on top
Fish Tacos	As a topping instead of sour cream	Mix in diced jalapeños for a kick
Crab Cakes	Side dipping sauce or drizzle on top	Add capers for a gourmet touch
BLT Sandwich	Swap regular mayo with dill mayo	Add avocado slices for extra creaminess
Potato Salad	Replace part of the mayo in the recipe	Mix with Greek yogurt for a lighter version

How to Store Dill Mayonnaise Properly

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your dill mayonnaise. Follow these tips to keep it tasting great:

• Use Airtight Containers: Glass jars with tight lids work best to prevent oxidation and odor absorption.
• Keep It Cold: Store in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door), ideally below 40°F (4°C).
• Hygiene Matters: Always use a clean spoon when scooping to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Avoid Light Exposure: Keep it away from direct sunlight or bright kitchen lights to preserve dill’s vibrant color and flavor.
• Freeze Small Portions: Pour into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Perfect for adding bursts of flavor later!

Buying Guide: Top Brands & What to Look For

If you don’t have time to whip up a batch yourself, no worries! There are several high-quality dill mayonnaise options available in stores and online. Here’s a breakdown of popular brands and what makes them stand out:

Brand	Features	Advantages	Target Audience	Occasions to Use
Primal Kitchen Dill Mayo	Keto-friendly, avocado oil-based, dairy-free	Healthy fats, paleo-approved	Health-conscious eaters, keto followers	Wraps, burgers, grain bowls
Sir Kensington’s Classic Dill Mayo	Plant-based, cage-free eggs, organic ingredients	Great taste with sustainable sourcing	Vegetarians, eco-friendly buyers	BBQ sides, kids’ lunches, sandwiches
Hellmann’s Real Dill Mayo	Traditional egg-yolk based, rich texture	Widely available, consistent quality	Home cooks, families	Salads, dips, cold sandwiches
Mother Raw Dill Pickle Mayo	Contains probiotics, fermented dill pickle juice	Boosts gut health, unique tangy flavor	Foodies, fermentation fans	Tacos, fries, wraps
Bee Free Honee Dill Aioli	Vegan, agave-based, gluten-free	Allergen-free, cruelty-free	Vegans, allergy-sensitive consumers	Dips, vegan burgers, veggie wraps

Things to Look For When Buying:

• Natural Ingredients: Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and sweeteners.
• Fat Source: Check if it’s made with avocado oil, olive oil, or soybean oil—each impacts flavor and nutrition differently.
• Real Herbs: Make sure dill is listed as a primary ingredient, not just “natural flavors.”
• Shelf Life: Consider how long it will last once opened, especially if you don’t use mayo frequently.
• Allergens: Vegan or nut-free options matter for certain dietary needs.

Fun Facts & Flavor Hacks

Ready to level up your dill mayonnaise game? Try these creative hacks and interesting facts:

Fun Fact #1:

Dill was historically used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks for medicinal purposes—it can help with digestion and sleep!

Flavor Hack #1: Garlic Dill Mayo

Add a clove of roasted garlic to your mayo mix for a deeper, more aromatic flavor. Perfect for grilled chicken sandwiches!

Flavor Hack #2: Lemon Zest Boost

Rub a bit of lemon zest into the dill before mixing—it enhances the brightness and aroma significantly.

Fun Fact #2:

Dill pairs exceptionally well with pickles, which is why many delis offer “pickle dill mayo” as a specialty spread.

Flavor Hack #3: Make It Smoky

Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give it a barbecue twist—ideal for pulled pork sliders or grilled veggies.

Final Thoughts

Dill mayonnaise isn’t just another condiment—it’s a flavor bridge between the earthy and the rich, the fresh and the savory. Whether you make it at home or choose a high-quality brand, incorporating dill mayonnaise into your cooking routine can elevate everyday meals into something special.

So next time you reach for that jar of plain mayo, ask yourself: Why settle for ordinary when you can go dill?